You Cannot Forget Football
Jesus, Brazil
Goal Click and UNICEF UK collaborated on a series that highlights the impact that Soccer Aid for UNICEF has on children around the world. Súper Panas is a UNICEF program focused on the Venezuelan migration crisis, implemented by the indigenous NGO CIR (Conselho Indígena de Roraima). It ensures protection against violence, psychosocial support and education activities for Venezuelan children and adolescents, including indigenous peoples. Super Panas is currently implemented in nine Child Safe Spaces in shelters and triage posts and in four schools in Roraima. Jesus was a participant with Súper Panas.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football journey?
My name is Jesus, I am Venezuelan, and I have been living in Brazil for three years. I am now living with my family in Santa Catarina. I enjoyed participating in Súper Panas activities in Roraima State, where I was living with my family, but recently I had to move to Santa Catarina.
Football means a lot to me. I learned to play well during Súper Panas activities. There were a lot of games, but I participated more than anything in football. I am always motivated to play more.
What did you try to capture with your photos?
The photos were taken in Roraima, Brazil, in a place near the shelter called the Monkey Square. I showed my brother and his friends playing football.
Why is football so important in your community?
Football is very important because it is fun and brings people together. It brings back good memories and things that we cannot forget. Even if you are in a place on the other side of the world, you will always remember when you were barefoot, playing, running under the sun. You will always remember that moment.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
I know football can open doors and someday I want to play it professionally. I know this is dreaming big, but you do not have to always be closed-minded. I like to keep an open mind. As well as being a professional football player, I want to have kids and a wife.
What impact has UNICEF and the Súper Panas program had on you and your friends?
Súper Panas had a very big impact on me, because it was there that I met my friends. I no longer walked alone, but always with my friends. We had fun together, playing and doing the activities created by the Súper Panas team.
